Congo, Twin Maternity

Statuette which presents the elements of a classic Bakongo figure: maternity phemba or pfemba, mother seated cross-legged, trunk slightly leaning forward, holding suckling twins on her knees. We feel in the hands the protective gestures of the mother holding the heads of her children. The top of the bust and the back are beautifully inlaid with scarifications like those worn by young Kongo women. The mother also wears the mpu cap. The mouth is open in a powerful vocalization while retaining delicately sculpted lips. The sitting position with crossed legs is also charged with meaning since it is called funda nkata, a sign of great respectability. A proverb is also attached to it: "The old man sitting cross-legged wishes to be greeted with respect. Representations of mother to child are found in many ethnic groups including the Kongo, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Wood with brown patina red Height 28cm Good used condition Collection doctor Fabrice G. Bordeaux